Latest news
Law Society report: City firms consider themselves “way ahead” on diversity
The big City firms believe they are “way ahead” of the Law Society on diversity and inclusion, a report for the society has found. But the only LBGT network that had supported the victim of a homophobic comment was at a large City firm.
Former diplomat becomes chair of IPS as Bradley leaves CLC
Quinton Quayle, a former British ambassador to Thailand, has been appointed chair of ILEX Professional Standards. Meanwhile, the Council for Licensed Conveyancers has announced that Anna Bradley is stepping down as chair after five years.
QC-backed ‘second opinion’ service aims to succeed where Stobarts failed
A law firm set up to give the public quick and easy online access to barristers’ opinions has been launched by a criminal law solicitor along with two QCs and around 20 chambers across the country.
BSB investigates complaints about 17 barristers at same chambers
The Bar Standards Board is investigating complaints about 17 barristers at the same chambers, it has emerged. Meanwhile, there have been 55 expressions of interest and seven formal applications to form BSB-regulated entities.
Law firms failing to meet threat of market disruption, says report
Law firms are failing to respond to the disruptive effects of new entrants to legal services and continue to measure their success using traditional performance metrics, according to a report on market influences in 2015.
£1.2m in “irregular” payments made to Legal Ombudsman staff, says MoJ
The Ministry of Justice has declared more than £1.2m of payments made to staff at the Legal Ombudsman in the years since it was established to be “irregular”.
“I want to dominate the market,” says entrepreneur as he secures £12m funding for clin neg ABS
An entrepreneur has revealed plans to combine a claims management company, a consumer website and the clinical negligence department of a top 100 firm to form a market-dominating alternative business structure.
Conveyancers overtake family lawyers in complaints league table
Conveyancers have usurped family lawyers as the main cause of complaints to the Legal Ombudsman, its annual report has revealed. But it also urged lawyers to think twice before pushing for formal decisions rather than accepting informal resolutions to complaints.
International insurance group to launch ABS for corporate clients
Thomas Miller, an international group of companies providing specialist insurance, investment and professional services, is to launch an alternative business structure next month.
“Don’t merge to make costs savings”, says head of newly merged City firm
Law firms should not view mergers as a way of making costs savings, James Carter, managing partner of Charles Russell Speechlys, has warned. “Economies of scale will at best pay for the costs of merging over the next one or two years.”
Blog
Amplifying reach through employee-driven thought leadership
Nine in 10 executives believe thought leadership is critical to building authority, yet only a quarter feel they have implemented a robust strategy.
Divorce escrow: asset sales before final settlement
When significant matrimonial assets are sold before a final financial order is agreed, holding the proceeds safely and neutrally can present real practical challenges.
AML lacks clarity – and standards are suffering
If firms are buckling under the pressure of AML regulations, subject to ever-increasing fines, then something is clearly not working as it should be.
